Monday, February 28, 2011

After having Adele's new album, 21, on heavy rotation all week, it couldn't help but inspire this week's mix-tape. Adele's powerful voice, that wise beyond her years, is so soulful. She has always reminded me of a smoother and more put - together Amy Winehouse (and I think their music pairs wonderfully).

Inspired by Adele and sexy, 60's soul music, here is the week's mix-tape:

1. Rumour Has It - Adele (My favorite track off the album. Sounds like a woman on revenge.)

2. Back to Black - Amy Winehouse

3. Baby, I Need Your Loving - Four Tops

4. He Can Only Hold Her - Amy Winehouse (It's old news, but Amy's Back to Black album is so good - still! My parents even love it.)

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Lexie tagged me to do share my 5 daily essentials. It's hard to choose just 5, as I have whole morning and night routine, but here are the ones I really can't live without:

1. Burt's Bees

My lips always seem to be parched and pale, so I am constantly applying this lip balm. I get the Burt's Bees with the pomegranate oil added and I love the naturally red tint it gives my lips.

2. DKNY Be Delicious perfume

It's my current fragrance I'm using at the moment. The fresh apple scent is always a happy pick-me-up.

3. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

I use Retin-a every night before I go to bed to help with pimples and heal my acne scars (Yes, I'm convinced my skin will always act like a teenager). I wait a few minutes for it to dry and then slather on some Cetaphil cream. It keeps my skin from getting too dried out from the Retin-a. I also use it around my eyes and on my hands. I love it's non-greasy feel and the fact that it is fragrance-free

4. Fruit

It is hard for me to go a day without having a piece of fruit. Crunchy grapes and refrigerated bananas are always on hand.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Here's a mix of artists that I have just recently discovered and some that I have been listening to for a few years. They all have a similar sound and seem to be inspired by one another. They are thread together by harpsichords, fairytale-like voices, and a strong use of percussion. It's hard to explain the connection of the artists, but if you listen in to this mix, it becomes apparent.

1. White Nights - Oh Land (This band is a new discovery of mine and reminds me of a combination of CocoRosie and Florence + the Machine.)

2. God Has A Voice, She Speaks to Me - CocoRosie (CocoRosie has such a unique sound that somehow combines "fairy-tale" music and hip-hop rhythm.)

3. Are you Hurting the One you Love? - Florence + The Machine (I love all the charms and bangles that fill the background music.)

Monday, February 14, 2011

{the first two pictures are just a sneak of all the goodies I got in Sunshine and Carousel's giveaway/ last one is free chocolate from my school}

Oh Valentine's Day, or Single Awareness Day.

Even though I did not have a Valentine, my friends and I still showered ourselves with chocolate and wine. Because of my single status, I should be listening to anti-love songs...but I still love love songs - and here are some of my favorites:

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1. My Love - The Bird and The Bee (all of their songs remind me of Valentines and with a band name like that, how could they not?)

2. First Love - Adele (sweet, innocent)

3. In These Arms - The Swell Season ("Maybe I was born to hold you in these arms" - how could you not melt?)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

I made these cake "pops" (minus the sticks) to send and give to my loved ones for Valentine's Day. Having a tiny kitchen and little time to do this without my roommates seeing me, this easy recipe couldn't have been more fitting. I did 3 varieties: Red Velvet, German Chocolate and Sea Salted Chocolate Caramel. Seriously, you will not believe how easy these are to make...

Cake Pops

1 box cake mix, prepared and baked

1 can icing

1 1/2 14 oz bags candy melts

sprinkles, toppings

1. Crumble the cooled, baked cake into a large bowl.

2. Spoon the icing over crumbled cake and stir until its all combined.

3. Roll into balls and freeze in a freezer safe bag for a few hours or overnight.

4. Melt the candy melts and coat the frozen cake balls. Make sure they are entirely coated and place on waxed paper

Friday, February 4, 2011

Here's a super-easy and healthy make-ahead meal. It's perfect for a bagged lunch! The uncooked couscous with soften the more it marinates. Basically, it's one of those dishes that gets better each day.

(adapted from Cooking Light)

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Mediterranean Flatbread Sandwiches

2 small cucumbers, diced

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup feta cheese

3 Tablespoons lemon juice

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

8.5 oz pkg uncooked Mediterranen couscous

1- 7oz container hummus (I got a Moroccan flavored one)

6 Flatbreads(Flat-Out makes good ones)

Mix everything together but the hummus and flatbreads. Spread hummus on flatbread and top with couscous mixture. Fold over and eat!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

These are pictures from my trip to Chinatown in San Francisco from this past summer. I thought it was fitting because today is the Chinese New Year (Year of the Rabbit). I love Asian culture and was especially in love with Chinatown's colorful and ornate architecture.

While shopping in one of the stores, I unexpectedly got a Chinese zodiac and fortune reading from the store owner. When describing Snakes (that's my Chinese zodiac), she was spot on with the personality traits. She said year of the Tiger (2010) was not a good year for me (it was mediocre) and that I need to find a man 5 or 8 years older to date/marry. She gave me some charms for my car, wallet and home to protect me from various harms. We then proceeded down the street to a Buddhist temple where I received blessings.

It was all so unexpected and left me curious - I am one who believes that there is truth in every religion.

Here's to Year of the Rabbit - it's supposed to be a good one!

**Also, I am super excited that I won Sunshine and Carousel's giveaway - thanks so much Erin! Everyone needs to check her blog out - it is a daily read of mine!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Adding on to the last post, here are pictures of the beautiful country scenery that I like to call home. They were taken in early October, right before the leaves began to change. I love fall in Georgia, the weather is crisp and everything is so vibrant.